Building a Bridge to a New Life through CLC’s Bridge to College
2/24/2025 • 4 weeks ago
Ruth moved to Cambridge with her family in December 2023. "We came to the U.S. for a new start for us. We wanted stability and great opportunities for our future,” explains Ruth.
Ruth attended an information session at the CLC in February 2024 to learn about English classes. She took a test and was surprised at the result! “They [CLC staff] told me my English was really good and suggested I apply for the Bridge to College Program because it would help me improve my English skills and get ready for college,” she says.
The Bridge to College Program prepares students to take college-level classes. Participants earn college credits and attend a weekly advising class that helps them prepare to apply. When they finish, participants can apply to enroll in a bachelor's degree, associate degree, or a certificate program.
“I always wanted to be a nurse but could not afford to go to college in Haiti,” she explains. “Patients' lives depend on nurses. When I was in Haiti, I helped people who had trouble because of the violence and needed mental support. I want to do that here.”
Ruth applied for the Bridge to College Program and was accepted. She started last September. At first, she was very shy and didn’t interact with her classmates. Ava, Ruth’s advisor, noticed how hard Ruth was working. Ava encouraged her to connect more. “Over the past few months, Ruth has really started coming out of her shell. She has embraced opportunities like volunteering in her new community and at the CLC.”
Ruth regularly volunteers at the Marget Fuller Neighborhood House in Cambridge. “I distribute food and talk to people in Haitian-Creole. I tell them about community resources,” she says. She has also joined the CLC Student Leadership Team. “Being on the Student Leadership Team gives me a chance to speak up and build my skills. Right now, we are planning a project for Black History Month,” Ruth says with a smile.
One year after coming to the CLC, Ruth is building a new life in Cambridge and on her way to earning a degree in nursing.
The Bridge to College Program is now recruiting for the 2025–26 school year. If you are interested in finding out more about the program sign up for an information session this spring!
Photo: Ruth stands in a library holding an American flag.